College roundup: ACU tied for first through two rounds at St. Edward's Invitational

AUSTIN — Fueled by Alex Carpenter’s first-round 66 and second-round 71, the fifth-ranked Abilene Christian golf team is in a first-place tie with No. 2 Nova Southeastern at the St. Edward’s Invitational.

Heading into today’s third and final round, the Wildcats are even at 576, one stroke ahead of third-place Barton College (577) and four ahead of No. 1 Barry University and No. 9 California-Monterey Bay, which are tied for fourth at 580.

Carpenter’s first-round 66 was the lowest round shot any golfer in the tournament’s 15-year history. He still trails Colorado-Colorado Springs’ Kevin Witten by a stroke for the medalist lead, however, and is tied with Barton’s Nicolas Fonseca for second.

After Carpenter’s 137, ACU’s Corbin Renner and Trey Sullivan are tied for 18th at 146 and Kyle Dickerson is tied for 24th at 147.

The third round begins at 8:30 a.m. today.

McMurry 1st, HSU 12th at Mississippi

DELHI, La. — Through one day at the Mississippi College Spring Invitational, the McMurry men’s golf team is tied with Texas-Dallas for first, while Hardin-Simmons is in 12th.

The War Hawks, who have two players among the top 10 individuals, shot a 328 Monday at Black Bear Golf Club in Delhi, La. HSU fired a 337.

McMurry, which sits one stroke ahead of Texas Lutheran and Mary Hardin-Baylor, got its best finish from Matt Ragovin, whose first-round 77 has him in third place and just a stroke back of the medalist lead. Matt Porter, meanwhile, is in a six-way tie for fifth at 80.

HSU, which is nine strokes back of the lead and just six out of sixth place, was led by Brandon Heard, who also shot an 80. Sean Aleman and Ryan Hughes followed with 85s, while Tyler Mileger carded an 87 and Mike Hursh rounded out the Cowboys lineup with a 95.